This strong release finds Pride delving into twelve blues-soaked soul numbers for 47 minutes of pure listening enjoyment. "Fellas, better treat her right!" warns the veteran baritone in the title track, a song that could just as easily sound at home in Al Green's songbook as it does here. He further explores his soul roots with "Love for My Baby," "I Found My Baby Gone" and "It's a Good Thing," a silky smooth original reminiscent of Barry White's offerings from the '70's.

But his roots extend further to include blues, as heard on Delbert McClinton's heartbreaking "You Were Never Mine" and "Livin' a Lie" highlighted by the sensational Albert-King-inspired fretwork of Harold Flood, plus gospel with "You Are My Rainbow," a gorgeous example kindled by Pride's upbringing in the church. And in what seems an effortless task, the man with the big voice tackles two Roy C. Hammond tunes with ease, "Don't Blame the Man" and "After the Disco" (re-worked as "After the Party") plus a power-packed rendition of Ann Peebles' "Beware!"

Brimming with standout performances from a six piece horn section led by Willie Henderson of Tyrone Davis fame and the Severn Studio Band (Steve Gomes on bass, Jon Moeller on guitar, Robb Stupka on drums plus Benjie Porecki and Bill Heid sharing keyboard duties), it's no surprise that Words of Caution is a crowning moment for the golden-throated Pride.

Born outside of Chicago, singing is something that seemed to come naturally for Lou Pride. Like many of the artists he's commonly compared to (Bobby Bland, ZZ Hill and Little Milton), he got his start singing in the choir of the First Baptist Church whose pastor was Reverend E.J. Cole (Nat King Cole's father). His initial recording career began in the early '70's on an obscure label, Suemi Records, which produced a few notable singles for Lou. He then moved to Black Gold Records and released Very Special and Gone Bad for a Very Special Reason before producer Marvin Yancy (Natalie Cole's ex-husband) introduced him to Curtis Mayfield whose Curtom label produced Gone Bad Again.

LINER NOTES:

"The road has led me to Severn Records. I want to thank David Earl and all the musicians that gave their heart and soul for this record. I thank the Lord and Master for the gift he has given me. The song "You Are My Rainbow" is my personal praise to the Lord, and to all I say follow your dreams and your rainbow." - Lou Pride

Produced by David Earl and Steve GomesExecutive Producer: David Earl Recorded and mixed at Severn Studios, Crownsville, MDEngineered by David EarlAdditional Engineer: John MonforteMastered by Charlie Pilzer at Airshow Mastering, Springfield, VACD design by Steve PotterPhotography/Digital Enhancement: Randy Santos